The Detroit Lions currently own the absolute worst defense in the entire NFL, ranked dead last in the league. Yeah, you read that right. Worst. But get this: help is finally on the way, big time. Their starting safety duo could be back on the field together for the first time this season, with Brian Branch set to make his 2026 debut in Week 7, and Kerby Joseph on track to play at some point this year too.
Branch Is Back, But Will It Be Enough?
Talk about a much-needed boost! Brian Branch, who tore his Achilles last December and started the year on injured reserve, had his practice window opened way back on October 7. And now, Coach Dan Campbell just confirmed on Monday that he expects the former Pro Bowler to be activated for Sunday’s massive divisional showdown against the Green Bay Packers. This is huge, even if Campbell also hinted Branch might be on a snap count to ease his way back. We’ll take it.
The All-Pro Joseph’s Chronic Knee Is a Major Question Mark
With Branch gearing up, everyone’s attention shifts to the other half of that safety tandem: Kerby Joseph. The guy is still on the PUP list, battling a chronic, inoperable knee issue that’s been nagging him since last year’s training camp. He hasn’t suited up since October 2025. It’s rough, but Campbell still expects Joseph to play this season, saying, “He’s doing well. I’ll leave it at that. He really is. He’s doing a good job. I’m not gonna give you a timetable, but I’ve been pleased with where he’s at. He’s in a good headspace right now, which is great, because that’s hard.” You gotta respect that fight.
Here’s the thing: when Branch and Joseph were fully healthy and leading that secondary in 2024, Detroit didn’t just have a good defense, they had their best defensive campaign in a decade! They were the seventh-ranked scoring defense in the league, won a franchise-record 15 games, and even hit the divisional round of the playoffs. Joseph himself was a first-team All-Pro who led the NFL in interceptions that year! That’s the kind of playmaking they desperately need back.
This defensive backfield has been absolutely ravaged, especially with the loss of cornerback Terrion Arnold after his arrest and release this past offseason. It’s no wonder the Lions are the worst team in the NFL at stopping opponents from moving the ball and rank 30th in scoring. This defense is neutralizing a top-flight offense, and that’s been a perennial problem, but it reached a whole new level this year with both safeties out. Can they bring back even a fraction of that 2024 magic?
So, with Branch set to return for that huge Week 7 game against the Packers, and Joseph hopefully not far behind, the question for Detroit is simple: Can these two guys actually pull this defense back from the brink? We’re all gonna be watching closely to see if this is the moment Detroit finally starts turning that corner defensively. Sunday can’t come soon enough!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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